EVA changes how Detroit measures its executives

Economic value-added is forcing managers to focus on improving shareholder value (if they want to bring home the big bucks).

Last year Ford's shareholder value improved 57%. GM's stock hit its highest price in history. Lucky break thanks to a surging stock market? Not according to those who are forcing executives to earn their cost of capital. "Management is becoming more responsive to shareholders," says J. Michael Losh, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The U.S. Big Three and some suppliers are adopting a variation of economic value-added, better known as EVA. Created by Stern Stewart, the accounting firm, EVA is simply after-tax profits minus the …

All Hail the Queen: SKorea celebrates Kim gold

For five minutes, all of South Korea held its breath _ and then broke out into a deafening stampede of cheers as their Queen Yu-na made figure skating history.

The entire nation watched from offices, subway trains and packed restaurants Friday as Kim Yu-na added "Olympic champion" to her list of titles with a flawless, joyful free skate in Vancouver.

"Yes, you could say that some people are obsessed with Kim Yu-na, but we're like that as a country," said Yoo Sul-gi, 28, an intern watching the competition at a Seoul restaurant. "When we Koreans like someone, we really like them."

And as tears of relief flowed down …

Bruker Daltonics, Biacore Align In Proteomics.(Brief Article)

Bruker Daltonics Inc. and Biacore International AB said they are teaming up to give those involved in functional proteomics what they need -- information. Billerica, Mass.-based Bruker will work with Uppsala, Sweden-based Biacore in an attempt to integrate Biacore's surface plasmon resonance technology with Bruker's mass spectrometry capabilities. When …

AHL glance.(Sports)

RIVER RATS at BINGHAMTON

When, where: 7:05 p.m., Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton

Records: River Rats 17-14-0-2 (second place, East Division); Binghamton 15-12-3-1 (tied for third place, East Division)

Season series: River Rats won 3-1 Oct. 6 at Albany and 2-0 Nov. 7 at Binghamton in only previous meetings

Radio: WTMM (104.5 FM), 6:50 p.m.

Story line: Albany …

TROY COUNCIL VOTES TO BORROW $14.4M AMID PLEAS FOR LIBRARY, COPS.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: JOE PICCHI Staff writer

TROY The City Council took a first step toward resolving its dire fiscal crisis Thursday night by approving borrowing up to $14.4 million. But the biggest fireworks came during the public input session with impassioned appeals to save the library and evidence technicians in the police department.

City Manager David Grandeau also acknowledged the city will be hiring Leonard DeVito as planning commissioner. The city is also seeking applications for a public safety commissioner that will pay $55,000 to $60,000 a year.

Catherine Conroy, the council's lone Democrat, questioned the need to seek the multimillion dollar …

Biden: US will talk to Iran, but will act

Vice President Joe Biden says the U.S. is willing to talk with Iran, but will act to isolate and pressure Tehran if Iran continues its current course and does not abandon its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism.

In a sweeping speech to international leaders and security …

For the record

Bankruptcy filings

There were no petitions filed in U. S. Bankruptcy Court for theSouthern District for Dec. 26, 2003.

* Marriage applications

The following people applied for marriage licenses at the KanawhaCounty Clerk's Office on Dec. 26, 2003:

* Timothy Lewis Edens, 33, and Pamela Lynn Cade, 21, both ofCharleston.

* Mark Anthony Dannemiller, 21, and Beverly Jean Scott, 20, bothof Orwell.

* Justin Edward Ice, 28, and Crystal Gail White, 23, both ofCharleston.

* Charles Chadwick Slater, 23, and Erica Renee Camp, 21, both ofCharleston.

* Sammy Gene Plante, 50, and Diana Lynn Showen, 44, both ofCharleston.

* Divorce …